5. Creating the Perfect Cut Flower Garden Station
Let me tell you about my journey creating a cut flower station along my fence – it’s been a game-changer for my zinnia garden! After years of awkwardly juggling scissors, vases, and flowers while trying to harvest my blooms, I finally got smart about setting up a proper cutting station. Trust me, this setup will make your flower harvesting so much more enjoyable!
Choosing the Right Location
The first thing I learned (the hard way!) was that location is absolutely crucial for a successful cutting station*. You’ll want to position your station where it’s easily accessible from both your garden and your house. I placed mine right at the corner of my fence line, where it gets partial afternoon shade – perfect for those hot summer days when I’m out collecting flowers.
Make sure to create a level surface for your work area. I used some old pavers to create a stable foundation, but you could also use decking or even gravel. The key is having a firm, flat surface that won’t get muddy when you’re working.
Essential Tools and Storage
Here’s where things get exciting! Your cutting station needs some basic tools that should always be within arm’s reach:
- Sharp scissors or pruning shears (I keep two pairs)
- Clean buckets for collecting flowers
- A spray bottle with clean water
- Plant ties and twine
- Small garbage bin for debris
I installed a simple weatherproof cabinet on my fence to keep everything organized. It’s nothing fancy – just a repurposed outdoor storage box, but it does the job perfectly. Pro tip: add some hooks on the outside of your cabinet for hanging frequently used tools!
Setting Up Your Work Surface
The work surface is where the magic happens! I use a fold-down table attached to my fence that I can put up when needed. Here’s what I include on my surface:
- A measuring stick attached to the edge
- Non-slip mat for holding vases
- Small shelf for holding flower food and supplies
- Built-in ruler for quick stem measurements
Creating Accessible Pathways
One thing that really transformed my cutting garden was adding proper pathways. I laid down some stepping stones in a herringbone pattern, making sure they were wide enough to accommodate a garden cart. The key is to space them so you can easily reach all your flowers without stepping into the beds.
Maximizing Production with Smart Planning
To keep my cutting station busy, I plant high-producing zinnia varieties like:
- ‘Benary’s Giant’
- ‘Queen Red Lime’
- ‘Oklahoma Series’
- ‘Profusion Series’
I plant these in succession every two weeks to ensure continuous blooms throughout the season.
Ready to discover another creative way to enhance your zinnia garden? Click the “next” button below to learn about creating a stunning Vertical Growing System that maximizes your garden space while creating a breathtaking visual display. I’ll show you how to transform your fence into a living wall of colorful zinnias using some clever vertical gardening techniques!
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